Saturday, October 2, 2010

Day 856 - Oct 2, 2010

Today...we went to Six Flags!!!! Johnny works there during the weekends and told me that the park really isn't busy at this time of the year so we decided to go for it. We didn't get there until almost 5pm so that we missed the hot, afternoon sun and I would say a lot of families went home by then too.

I can't say it was the most fun day we ever had, but it was still better than just sitting home like we normally do. I am really trying to find things to keep us busy, things that would make Kevin happy and we did have some really fun moments while at the park.

I do have to call the neurosurgeon this week because Kevin is determined to ride the Tony Hawk roller coaster and I didn't allow him today because I didn't know if he was able to or not. I also will not EVER get on a roller coaster so either Moe has to come and take him or someone else will have to.

(so ok - this makes TWO things that I won't do for my kids. I won't have a dog and won't ride a roller coaster)

I did, however, ride the ferris wheel. I should tell you that I REALLY don't like heights. But I did it and was scared to death the whole time.

So here are some pics of the day. I didn't want to lug my camera around so I had to use my phone. Not the best quality, obviously...





And we had a few minutes that really broke my heart. Do you remember the rope ladder game? Where you have to try to get to the top and ring the bell? Well, Kevin was determined to try it. He knew he only had one arm/hand and that his one leg really doesn't have any feeling and is very weak, but he was gonna try anyway.

Well, he got up to the ladder and couldn't even stand on the first rung. He tried...oh, how he tried, but he just couldn't even move his body to get onto the ladder from the balloon, more or less up the rungs.

It was heart-wrenching. Here are two photos. They are blurry because I was none too steady as I was crying. The lady next to me was too and I think her husband even had a few tears in his eyes. Kevin drew quite a crowd - we all know why - but when he gave up, and myself and the attendant managed to get him up off the balloon, everyone cheered. At least he tried. That's what counts, I say! But man...you should have seen the look on his face when he realized he really wasn't going to be able to do it. It just broke my heart right in two...




Sad, isn't it? But he did try...

But other than that, we did have a good day! And that's what we'll remember.

7 comments:

Mary Neal said...

Kevin's new goal at therapy: to be able,someday, to climb that rope ladder!

Lucy Jane said...

It is sad, but Kevin has heart and that's what counts! He tried and maybe, as Mary said, with therapy, he'll be able to give it a try. It makes me so proud of you, Kevin!!

Moe said...

You tell Kevin that if the doctor approves of him riding a roller coaster, him and I will go ride whatever he wants!!

I had tears when I read about the Ladder game... but ya know thats what is so remarkable about Kev,even as a kid if you told him he couldn't do something, he was sure going to try anyhow. That's why he's come so far, he will never except that he can't without trying. He'll be up that ladder someday!

Love You Guys!

bearlythr said...

What I see is courage in Kevin...in the face of all adversity, against all odds, he never gives up. I honestly believe he gets that from you Leslie.Yes, I too am sitting here with tears in my eyes but I am certain it is this attitude in both of you that has gotten him where he is today. I remember the first prognosis...they basically expected him to be unable, ever, to do anything. Wrong. You are both amazing. Spines of steel and hearts of gold.
God bless you,
Janna

Anonymous said...

I too have tears in my eyes...because I am so inspired that he tried. Hello...it wasn't all that long ago that the plate was put in....and now he wants to climb ladders and ride roller coasters? With all that he has been through would anyone really expect him to try such things? And look at him...so tall and strong.

Watching him try to climb that ladder and thinking of the kid he was before his injury must be heartbreaking and I would never minimize that. It sucks. But as someone who has "met" Kevin since his accident, thinking of him trying to climb that ladder is totally awe inspiring.

Lisa D in Cali

Jessica said...

God bless him for trying the rope ladder. It's sad and yet inspiring at the same time. If only those people applauding him could have known he's injured because he's an American hero...

Exciting news about the baby! I'm sure Uncle Kevin will want to teach him how to skateboard someday. :)

God bless you all and take care. You're in my thoughts and prayers. So glad you were able to get out and have a little fun at Six Flags.

Anonymous said...

What a true Ranger!